University of California-Santa Cruz Top Questions

I would have to say the biggest thing for me was visiting schools. You can read info online, compare statistics, and all, but this is the place you will live and grow for four or more years. Take the time to get a feel for the area and the people. I knew Santa Cruz was my top pick the second I came to the campus. Also, look into some of the programs the school offers besides academics. I knew I wanted to study abroad and Santa Cruz had a lot of options. They also have a great EOP (educational opportunity program) group for low-income student support as well as a top-notch tutoring program. Knowing you can get academic support is a plus. The EOP advisors also provided an extra way to make sense of all the information thrown at you your first year. A school that offers a lot in terms of personal and education support systems is one that cares more about it's students than anything else.

No matter where you end up going try to make the best of it and dont stress to hard.

Go somewhere that makes you happy. College is a time where students learn grow and find themselves. Finding a college that you know that you can thrive in is something very important. College is the time to find who you are as a person and really learn many things that you never knew. This is an amazzing experience that should not be taken for granted. Take it very seriously and choose a place very clearly that you know that you can imagine your self. In both the campus schools, the social atmosphere, the downtown, and every other way. Go with your heart and don't be afarid of taking chances. I went to a school that was in a different country as my family, but I knew that the school was the right one for me. Be flexible and open minded. College is the time to learn and grow so don't be scared to really be able to discover yourself and who you want to be in your life.

You should go somewhere where you can see youself being compfortable whether that involve environment, people, views, or major focuses. i would say that students shouldgo with their first instincts when it comes to the school they choose because this is probably where they will be the happiest.

The most effective part of my decision process was going to visit the campuses. Although it was slightly expensive and involved a chunk of time, it was well worth it. I believe being in an environent where you are comfortable and motivated to learn is the most important thing, and you can't figure out which places do that until you have experienced them first hand. Once at the school of your choice make sure to get involved in things, don't forget about homework but college isn't just about learning from your books!

Stay open minded, work hard, and have fun! This is a great chance for new expeirences, new friends and new knowledge, so make the most of it.

Think about exactly what you want out of the next few years and who you want to be, then do whatever it takes to accomplish those things. Do it now, because these years go by faster than you think.

Take advantage of all the opportunities you are given and become an involved member of the campus community.

I believe that in order to fully make the most out of one?s college experience, there has to be a couple of necessary catalysts. Initially, you can never forget how truly lucky you are to be in an institution of higher learning, and not waste the priceless opportunity. Second, even if you don?t know what you want to study, you should always work your hardest, because nothing you learn will ever go to waste, it can only make you a better person. Finally, you should never stop challenging yourself, academically, socially, or athletically, because that is one of the few ways you can ever truly grow as a human. I believe that these steps are the most important things you can do to truly appreciate your own college experience, and I think it is through a deep seated appreciation that you make the most out of college.

The best thing to do is visit a lot of campuses and find what works the best for you. Whether you like the atmosphere, but once you step foot onto the campus you'll know if it is right.